Mayor Jim Heigl

James Whitney “Jim” Heigl moved to Sylacauga as a boy for his father’s job at Kimberly-Clark Corp, and graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1958.

Heigl signed up for the military draft as a teenager and received notice that he had been selected about two years later. After being initially placed in field artillery training for the U.S. Army, he was transferred to the Signal Corps and attended signal school in Fort Gordon, Ga., during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.

Following deployment in the early stages of the Vietnam War, Heigl returned to Sylacauga to work for Kimberly-Clark as a shift supervisor. Recognized for developing ideas to improve the quality and run ability of a paper machine, he studied “Wet End Chemistry” to gain knowledge on paper machine performance and developed methods to dramatically improve sewer waste at mills.

Once retired from Kimberly-Clark, Heigl became involved in community activities including the Sylacauga Beautification Council, the Marble Festival, and veteran organizations. Today, Heigl serves as the elected Commander of American Legion Post 45, an active organization in Sylacauga that provides service to veterans and families.

As Mayor, Heigl intends to push infrastructure improvements, enforce city ordinances, and keep Sylacauga a clean and litter-free city. His goal is to provide the best possible services to citizens in order to help Sylacauga reach its full potential.

Mayor since November 2016. Also served as Mayor from August-November 2012. City Council President, 2008-2012, and served as liaison to the Parks & Recreation Board, Planning Commission, Airport Board, Library Board, Animal Shelter, Beautification Council, Tree Commission, Comer Museum, and Historical Commission. Former Chairman, Sylacauga Planning Commission and Sylacauga Beautification Council. Graduate of Sylacauga High School; attended St. Bernard College and Central Alabama Community College. Served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1965 and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1965-1968. Commander, American Legion Post 45, and officer, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 945. Retired, Kimberly-Clark Corporation/U.S. Alliance. Graduate of Leadership Sylacauga and Citizens' Police Academy. Appointed to Congressman Mike Rogers' Veteran Advisory Committee, representing Talladaga County. Currently serves on the Lake Howard Authority and the Planning Commission. Married to the former Joyce Davis; two daughters, six grandchildren attending Sylacauga High School.